NYSEG HAS RESTORED POWER TO OVER 31,000 CUSTOMERS IN COLUMBIA, RENSSELAER, SARATOGA AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mechanicville, NY, December 17, 2008 (6 a.m.) – NYSEG has now restored service to over 90% of the customers who lost power as a result of the devastating ice storm – approximately 2,600 still remain without power. An army of nearly 700 NYSEG, RG&E and contract line, tree and support personnel is continuing to make excellent progress in restoring power in NYSEG’s Mechanicville Division. NYSEG expects to restore service to all customers by noon on Thursday.“The vast majority of our available personnel and resources are now focused on the Southern portion of our Mechanicville Division where we have the most extensive damage to our energy delivery system” said Mark Leta, NYSEG’s manager - regional operations. “Our restoration efforts in Rensselaer and Columbia Counties have been extremely challenging due to the extraordinary amount of tree damage, downed wires and broken poles. We are also dealing with additional power outages caused by ongoing wind and severe winter weather. We appreciate our customer’s understanding and patience while we make the necessary repairs to our electric distribution infrastructure and restore service”.